Celebrations of Navratri or the ‘nine nights’ of festivity in honour of Goddess Durga began on October 10 and the Indian Railways began a special service to cater to those who are fasting during this holy time.

The Navratris will end on October 18 and till then, devotees can avail the facility of having special fasting food on board trains. IRCTC has introduced ‘Vrat Ka Khana’ on board trains, which will include food items like sabudana, sendha namak, kuttu ka atta, among other foods eaten by devotees who observe a fast during the Navratris.

With Navratri 2018 around the corner, people from across the nation are gearing up to celebrate the occasion with grand vigour and tradition.

These special meals will be a part of the e-catering menu and will be available at select stations, including Nagpur, Ambala, Jaipur, Itarsi, Jhansi, Nasik, Ratlam, Daund, Mathura, Nizamuddin and Lucknow. These meals can be booked on the IRCTC website or on the ‘Food On Track’ mobile application using a valid journey PNR. Passengers can pay for these meals in advance or on delivery.

Navratri is also the time when devotees immerse themselves in religious fervor, with lakhs even going with great enthusiasm to Garba nights in the best of attires and spirits.